What characterizes grand mal seizures?

What characterizes grand mal seizures?

• A. Mild tremors
• B. Loss of consciousness and convulsions
• C. Brief lapses in awareness
• D. Muscle stiffness

Answer: (B)

The defining characteristic of grand mal seizures, also known as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, is the presence of loss of consciousness accompanied by convulsions. During a grand mal seizure, the individual typically experiences two major phases: the tonic phase, where there is stiffening of the muscles, followed by the clonic phase, which involves rhythmic jerking movements. This combination leads to a dramatic and noticeable seizure episode that often lasts several minutes and may be followed by confusion or fatigue. The other options describe different types of neurological issues. Mild tremors are typically associated with less severe conditions or other types of seizures. Brief lapses in awareness refer to absent seizures, where a person may seem to "zone out" for a few seconds. Muscle stiffness alone might indicate other medical issues but does not encompass the full scope of symptoms observed during grand mal seizures.

The defining characteristic of grand mal seizures, also known as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, is the presence of loss of consciousness accompanied by convulsions. During a grand mal seizure, the individual typically experiences two major phases: the tonic phase, where there is stiffening of the muscles, followed by the clonic phase, which involves rhythmic jerking movements. This combination leads to a dramatic and noticeable seizure episode that often lasts several minutes and may be followed by confusion or fatigue.

The other options describe different types of neurological issues. Mild tremors are typically associated with less severe conditions or other types of seizures. Brief lapses in awareness refer to absent seizures, where a person may seem to "zone out" for a few seconds. Muscle stiffness alone might indicate other medical issues but does not encompass the full scope of symptoms observed during grand mal seizures.